Provo: K League 1 star Lee Dong-gyeong announced his presence on the international stage with a crucial free kick goal, leading South Korea to a 1-0 victory over El Salvador at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, in their final preparation match before the FIFA World Cup.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee's impressive performance comes as he strives to represent the K League domestically on the global platform. As one of six K League 1 players on the 26-man national squad, Lee faces stiff competition for playing time, particularly from established international stars such as Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain and Lee Jae-sung of Mainz 05. However, Lee's latest performance has made a strong case for his inclusion in the World Cup lineup.
The match against El Salvador marked the last opportunity for South Korea to fine-tune their strategies before the World Cup kicks off next week. Lee Dong-gyeong, who also played in the 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, was one of three players to start both games. Head coach Hong Myung-bo used these matches to assess his players' readiness, and Lee capitalized on the opportunity by scoring a stunning goal in the 57th minute.
From the right edge of the box, Lee's left-footed free kick soared over the El Salvador wall and into the top corner, showcasing his signature shooting ability. Lee's chance to shine was partly due to the late arrival of Lee Kang-in, who had just joined the camp following PSG's UEFA Champions League victory. This allowed Lee Dong-gyeong to prove his worth in the attacking midfield role.
Despite not yet being a regular starter for the national team, Lee's left-footed prowess makes him an invaluable asset, capable of delivering crucial goals when needed. After the match, Lee expressed his satisfaction with the goal and the team's readiness for the World Cup. "The ball traveled exactly the way I wanted it to. It's great to win our final match before the World Cup," he said.
Lee admitted his surprise at being selected for the World Cup squad but emphasized his determination to make the most of the opportunity. "It's always been my dream to be part of a World Cup journey. To be on this ride gives me huge motivation," he shared. His confidence was evident when he took charge of the free kick, convincing teammate Hwang In-beom to let him take the shot.
As South Korea prepares for the World Cup, Lee Dong-gyeong's standout performance has not only boosted his confidence but also highlighted his potential to contribute significantly to the team's success on football's biggest stage.